Who We Are
We empower individuals to achieve independence
Our Vision and Mission
Vision
At The Worker, we envision a world where communities prosper because every individual is empowered to meet their basic needs—and go beyond them to live their most fulfilling life.
Mission
We provide clear pathways to self-sufficiency, with employment as the foundation of everything we do.
Through access to stable employment, safe housing and life skills training, we equip individuals with the resources and support needed to achieve independence and long-term success. Our work directly benefits people seeking to transform their lives through the power of work.
Our Vision and Mission
Vision
At The Worker, we envision a world where communities prosper because every person is able to not only meet their basic needs, but live their most fulfilling life.
Mission
We provide pathways to self-sufficiency, with employment as the foundation of all we do.
We empower individuals to achieve independence by providing them with the resources and support to secure quality, stable employment and housing. As a result, our work directly benefits people seeking to better their situation through employment.
Our Core Values
At The Worker, our values aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of everything we do. Rooted in Hope, Integrity, Respect and Empowerment (HIRE), these principles guide our mission to help individuals overcome employment barriers and achieve lasting self-sufficiency.
HIRE: The Values That Guide Us
Hope: We believe in the potential of every person. Hope fuels change—and we help ignite it.
Integrity: We act with honesty and accountability, staying true to our mission and the people we serve.
Respect: We treat every individual with dignity and compassion, honoring their experiences and aspirations.
Empowerment: We equip people with the tools, knowledge and support to take charge of their futures.
Why It Matters:
These values shape every interaction—fostering trust, building confidence and creating a path toward brighter futures. Whether it's a first job or a fresh start, we walk alongside each client with heart and purpose.
Our Values
At The Worker, our values aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of everything we do. Rooted in Hope, Integrity, Respect and Empowerment (HIRE), these principles guide our mission to help individuals overcome employment barriers and achieve lasting self-sufficiency.
HIRE: The Values That Guide Us
Hope: We believe in the potential of every person. Hope fuels change—and we help ignite it.
Integrity: We act with honesty and accountability, staying true to our mission and the people we serve.
Respect: We treat every individual with dignity and compassion, honoring their experiences and aspirations.
Empowerment: We equip people with the tools, knowledge and support to take charge of their futures.
Why It Matters:
These values shape every interaction—fostering trust, building confidence and creating a path toward brighter futures. Whether it's a first job or a fresh start, we walk alongside each client with heart and purpose.
Diversity and Inclusion
At The Worker, diversity and inclusion are more than ideals—they’re essential to how we serve, lead and grow as a community.
A Culture of Belonging
We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for every individual who walks through our doors. Our staff and board members include individuals with lived experience—those who have overcome homelessness, addiction, incarceration and other barriers. Their firsthand knowledge ensures our services are delivered with empathy, authenticity and deep understanding.
Empathy in Action
Because we reflect the communities we serve, our team is able to connect with clients in meaningful ways—offering not just resources, but real hope. We work to ensure that every client feels seen, heard and respected as they pursue employment, stability and long-term success.
Why It Matters
This commitment to equity is at the heart of our mission to transform lives through meaningful employment. By fostering a culture of trust and connection, we’re building more than job opportunities—we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future for all.
Our Vision and Mission
Vision: At The Worker, we envision a world where communities prosper because every person is able to not only meet their basic needs, but live their most fulfilling life.
Mission: We provide pathways to self-sufficiency, with employment as the foundation of all we do.
We empower individuals to achieve independence by providing them with the resources and support to secure quality, stable employment and housing. As a result, our work directly benefits people seeking to better their situation through employment.
Our Core Values
At The Worker, our values aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of everything we do. Rooted in Hope, Integrity, Respect and Empowerment (HIRE), these principles guide our mission to help individuals overcome employment barriers and achieve lasting self-sufficiency.
HIRE: The Values That Guide Us
Hope: We believe in the potential of every person. Hope fuels change—and we help ignite it.
Integrity: We act with honesty and accountability, staying true to our mission and the people we serve.
Respect: We treat every individual with dignity and compassion, honoring their experiences and aspirations.
Empowerment: We equip people with the tools, knowledge and support to take charge of their futures.
Why It Matters:
These values shape every interaction—fostering trust, building confidence and creating a path toward brighter futures. Whether it's a first job or a fresh start, we walk alongside each client with heart and purpose.
Diversity and Inclusion
At The Worker, diversity and inclusion are more than ideals—they’re essential to how we serve, lead and grow as a community.
A Culture of Belonging
We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for every individual who walks through our doors. Our staff and board members include individuals with lived experience—those who have overcome homelessness, addiction, incarceration and other barriers. Their firsthand knowledge ensures our services are delivered with empathy, authenticity and deep understanding.
Empathy in Action
Because we reflect the communities we serve, our team is able to connect with clients in meaningful ways—offering not just resources, but real hope. We work to ensure that every client feels seen, heard and respected as they pursue employment, stability and long-term success.
Why It Matters
This commitment to equity is at the heart of our mission to transform lives through meaningful employment. By fostering a culture of trust and connection, we’re building more than job opportunities—we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future for all.
The Worker was founded in 1988 to help individuals experiencing homelessness find stable employment. This mission originated with Father Mike Baxter and Father John Fitzgerald, who, while serving meals at the André House soup kitchen, engaged in heartfelt conversations with those in need. They learned, along with the volunteers, that many of the individuals were ready and willing to work but faced significant barriers to finding and securing jobs.
In response, volunteers began providing critical support, from helping with job applications and providing a variety of resources, to connecting individuals with employment opportunities through their own networks and local businesses.
A Paycheck
The Pathway Out of Poverty
Since then, The Worker has empowered more than 40,000 individuals facing homelessness and life transitions to find meaningful employment. Today, we remain committed to breaking down employment barriers by offering the essential tools and resources needed to achieve lasting success.
Our growth has expanded both our impact and reach. While we started as a Catholic organization, we have evolved into a place for all—serving everyone, regardless of background.
A Paycheck
The Pathway Out of Poverty
The Worker was founded in 1988 to help individuals experiencing homelessness find stable employment. This mission originated with Father Mike Baxter and Father John Fitzgerald, who, while serving meals at the André House soup kitchen, engaged in heartfelt conversations with those in need. They learned, along with the volunteers, that many of the individuals were ready and willing to work but faced significant barriers to finding and securing jobs.
In response, volunteers began providing critical support, from helping with job applications and providing a variety of resources. to connecting individuals with employment opportunities through their own networks and local businesses.
Since then, The Worker has empowered more than 40,000 individuals facing homelessness and life transitions to find meaningful employment. Today, we remain committed to breaking down employment barriers by offering the essential tools and resources needed to achieve lasting success.
Our growth has expanded both our impact and reach. While we started as a Catholic organization, we have evolved into a place for all—serving everyone, regardless of background.
The Worker was founded in 1988 to help individuals experiencing homelessness find stable employment. This mission originated with Father Mike Baxter and Father John Fitzgerald, who, while serving meals at the André House soup kitchen, engaged in heartfelt conversations with those in need. They learned, along with the volunteers, that many of the individuals were ready and willing to work but faced significant barriers to finding and securing jobs.
In response, volunteers began providing critical support, from helping with job applications and providing a variety of resources to connecting individuals with employment opportunities through their own networks and local businesses.
Since then, The Worker has empowered more than 40,000 individuals facing homelessness and life transitions to find meaningful employment. Today, we remain committed to breaking down employment barriers by offering the essential tools and resources needed to achieve lasting success.
Our growth has expanded both our impact and reach. While we started as a Catholic organization, we have evolved into a place for all—serving everyone, regardless of background.
A Paycheck
The Pathway Out of Poverty
Key Milestones
1988
The Worker was founded in the basement of Andre House.
2005
Moved to the Human Services campus (now known as Keys Campus) in downtown Phoenix.
2012
Broadened our focus to extend beyond the Human Services Campus, actively engaging with the wider community to increase our impact and connect with more individuals in need.
2020
Launched Workforce Housing, an employment-first, 90-day transitional housing model that allows clients experiencing housing insecurity to live rent-free while saving their income for a security deposit, first month’s rent, and emergency funds. Opened the Mesa office location.
2024
Launched Workforce Housing and Training, a program that provides participants with stable transitional housing, employment-focused support, and skill-building opportunities to help them achieve financial independence and long-term success. Opened the Central Phoenix office location.
Meet Our Founders
Visionaries who recognized a critical need in our community, developed strategic plans, and rallied funders to bring their ideas to life:
John Fitzgerald
Mike Baxter
Mike Geddes
Matt Feeney (Founding Board Member)
1988
The Worker was founded in the basement of Andre House.
2012
Broadened our focus to extend beyond the Human Services Campus, actively engaging with the wider community to increase our impact and connect with more individuals in need.
2024
Launched Workforce Housing and Training, a program that provides participants with stable transitional housing, employment-focused support, and skill-building opportunities to help them achieve financial independence and long-term success. Opened the Central Phoenix office location.
2005
Moved to the Human Services campus (now known as Keys Campus) in downtown Phoenix.
2020
Launched Workforce Housing, an employment-first, 90-day transitional housing model that allows clients experiencing housing insecurity to live rent-free while saving their income for a security deposit, first month’s rent, and emergency funds. Opened the Mesa office location.
Key Milestones
Visionaries who recognized a critical need in our community, developed strategic plans, and rallied funders to bring their ideas to life:
John Fitzgerald
Mike Baxter
Mike Geddes
Matt Feeney (Founding Board Member)
Meet Our Founders
1988
The Worker was founded in the basement of Andre House.
2005
Moved to the Human Services campus (now known as Keys Campus) in downtown Phoenix.
2012
Broadened our focus to extend beyond the Human Services Campus, actively engaging with the wider community to increase our impact and connect with more individuals in need.
2020
Launched Workforce Housing, an employment-first, 90-day transitional housing model that allows clients experiencing housing insecurity to live rent-free while saving their income for a security deposit, first month’s rent, and emergency funds. Opened the Mesa office location.
2024
Launched Workforce Housing and Training, a program that provides participants with stable transitional housing, employment-focused support, and skill-building opportunities to help them achieve financial independence and long-term success. Opened the Central Phoenix office location.
Meet our Founders
visionaries who recognized a critical need in our community, developed strategic plans, and rallied funders to bring their ideas to life:
John Fitzgerald
Mike Baxter
Mike Geddes
Matt Feeney (Founding Board Member)
Carmen’s Journey to a Career
Carmen's journey is one of courage, perseverance, and the unwavering hope for a second chance. As a single mother, she faced overwhelming challenges, and without the support she needed, she made choices that led her down a dark path. Carmen was sentenced to prison, and for five long years, she and her 17-year-old son, Elijah, were separated during some of the most critical years of his life. Milestones like his graduation came and went, moments Carmen longed to share with him. Elijah went to live with his grandmother, and while they were physically apart, Carmen's love for him never wavered.
Wesley’s Success Story
Wesley's journey with St. Joseph the Worker began in February, but his story of resilience started long before that. As a child, he survived a traumatic near-death experience. His adolescent years were burdened by undiagnosed mental health challenges, leading to frustration, substance abuse, and ultimately homelessness.
Larry's Path to stability
Life can be unpredictable. Sometimes, circumstances beyond our control can upend everything we’ve worked for, leaving us in despair and uncertainty. But with the right support, those same circumstances can be the catalyst for a fresh start.
Larry is a proud military veteran who served 9½ years in the United States Army and knows the meaning of sacrifice—first for his country, and then for his six children.
Daisy’s Path to Stability
At 68, an unexpected divorce left Daisy homeless in California. With no family to turn to, she relied on her decent wages to stay in hotels until her money ran out. In search of stability, Daisy moved to Phoenix and became a caregiver for a friend. For ten years, this partnership provided her with a home. But at the end of 2023, her friend passed away, leaving Daisy once again without a home or a job.
Carmen’s Journey to a Career
Carmen's journey is one of courage, perseverance, and the unwavering hope for a second chance. As a single mother, she faced overwhelming challenges, and without the support she needed, she made choices that led her down a dark path. Carmen was sentenced to prison, and for five long years, she and her 17-year-old son, Elijah, were separated during some of the most critical years of his life. Milestones like his graduation came and went, moments Carmen longed to share with him. Elijah went to live with his grandmother, and while they were physically apart, Carmen's love for him never wavered.
Larry's Path to stability
Life can be unpredictable. Sometimes, circumstances beyond our control can upend everything we’ve worked for, leaving us in despair and uncertainty. But with the right support, those same circumstances can be the catalyst for a fresh start.
Larry is a proud military veteran who served 9½ years in the United States Army and knows the meaning of sacrifice—first for his country, and then for his six children.
Daisy’s Path to Stability
At 68, an unexpected divorce left Daisy homeless in California. With no family to turn to, she relied on her decent wages to stay in hotels until her money ran out. In search of stability, Daisy moved to Phoenix and became a caregiver for a friend. For ten years, this partnership provided her with a home. But at the end of 2023, her friend passed away, leaving Daisy once again without a home or a job.
Carmen’s Journey to a Career
Carmen's journey is one of courage, perseverance, and the unwavering hope for a second chance. As a single mother, she faced overwhelming challenges, and without the support she needed, she made choices that led her down a dark path. Carmen was sentenced to prison, and for five long years, she and her 17-year-old son, Elijah, were separated during some of the most critical years of his life. Milestones like his graduation came and went, moments Carmen longed to share with him. Elijah went to live with his grandmother, and while they were physically apart, Carmen's love for him never wavered.
Wesley’s Success Story
Wesley's journey with St. Joseph the Worker began in February, but his story of resilience started long before that. As a child, he survived a traumatic near-death experience. His adolescent years were burdened by undiagnosed mental health challenges, leading to frustration, substance abuse, and ultimately homelessness.
Larry's Path to stability
Life can be unpredictable. Sometimes, circumstances beyond our control can upend everything we’ve worked for, leaving us in despair and uncertainty. But with the right support, those same circumstances can be the catalyst for a fresh start.
Larry is a proud military veteran who served 9½ years in the United States Army and knows the meaning of sacrifice—first for his country, and then for his six children.
Daisy’s Path to Stability
At 68, an unexpected divorce left Daisy homeless in California. With no family to turn to, she relied on her decent wages to stay in hotels until her money ran out. In search of stability, Daisy moved to Phoenix and became a caregiver for a friend. For ten years, this partnership provided her with a home. But at the end of 2023, her friend passed away, leaving Daisy once again without a home or a job.
Phoenix:
382 E. Palm Lane #150 Phoenix, AZ 85004
Mesa:
1833 W. Main Street #128 Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone:
602-755-JOBS (5627)
EIN:
86-0600437
QCO Code:
20248
Phoenix:
382 E. Palm Lane #150 Phoenix, AZ 85004
Mesa:
1833 W. Main Street #128 Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone:
602-755-JOBS (5627)
EIN:
86-0600437
QCO Code:
20248
Phoenix:
382 E. Palm Lane #150 Phoenix, AZ 85004
Mesa:
1833 W. Main Street #128 Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone:
602-755-JOBS (5627)
EIN:
86-0600437
QCO Code:
20248
Phoenix:
382 E. Palm Lane #150 Phoenix, AZ 85004
Mesa:
1833 W. Main Street #128 Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone:
602-755-JOBS (5627)
EIN:
86-0600437
QCO Code:
20248
Who We Are
We empower individuals to achieve independence
Who We Are
We empower individuals to achieve independence
Who We Are
We empower individuals to achieve independence
Who We Are
We empower individuals to achieve independence